Home
Tennis
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Jacob Fearnley of Great Britain celebrates a point in the Men's Singles Second Round match against Arthur Cazaux of France during day four of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Geneva 2025 | Fearnley eases past Lajovic to set up Popyrin showdown

Tony Fairbairn
Tennis

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Jacob Fearnley def Dusan Lajovic [WC] 6-4 6-1
  • Fearnley v Alexei Popyrin [5] | H2H: First Meeting
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Jacob Fearnley eased past Dusan Lajovic in straight sets to reach the second round in Geneva where he will face Alexei Popyrin.

 

Browse the Britwatch Sports Amazon Page for our latest Tennis Equipment recommendations

 

Jacob Fearnley def Dusan Lajovic [WC] 6-4 6-1

Embed from Getty Images

Jacob Fearnley is into the second round of Geneva after a straight sets win over Dusan Lajovic. It was a messy start to the match with both players producing regular errors on serve. The opening four games went against the serve as Fearnley struggled to maintain consistent level on serve.

As the set went on both players took more controlled risks on serve as there was a more strategic approach implemented by both players. Once Fearnley eventually settled on serve, the Brit found more confidence and started to take his forehand earlier especially when targeting the Lajovic backhand. The Brit’s tactical adjustments paid off as he broke in the eighth game before sealing the set with a ferocious forehand winner.

In the second set, Fearnley aimed to continue the momentum at the start of the second set as he threatened a break of serve. However, Lajovic nullified the Brit to hold serve and win his only game of the second set. That was the only piece of good news for Lajovic though as Fearnley was superior for the rest of the set, capitalising on Lajovic’s passive play.

A run of six consecutive games was sealed with a backhand from Lajovic into the net as the Brit cruised into the second round.

 

Jacob Fearnley v Alexei Popyrin [5] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Jacob Fearnley v Alexei Popyrin [5] H2H: First Meeting         
ATP Geneva 2025    Geneva, Switzerland
Clay (O) Prize Money: €10,460
Third on Center Court (13:00 BST)  Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Next up Fearnley will aim to secure another big upset in this clay court season when he takes on Alexei Popyrin.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)

Embed from Getty Images

H2H: Jacob Fearnley (WR 54) Alexei Popyrin (WR 25)   
Tournament Previous Best N/A N/A
1st Serve % 59.7 63.6
Service Games Won % 80.4 82.6
Break Points Saved % 59.9 67.4
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 52.4 47.2
Break Points Converted % 39.6 32.6

Fearnley will need to be efficient on return as he is facing an accurate and powerful server in Popyrin.

 

 

Playing styles and prediction

The Australian hasn’t had the best season after his Masters 1000 breakthrough in Canada last year. However, a run to the quarter-finals in Monte-Carlo has given him confidence and a win over Nicolas Jarry in the opening round could give him the confidence he needs to produce a big next couple of months.

Fearnley will aim to take time away from Popyrin as he will take the ball early on the forehand side. Meanwhile Popyrin will need to maintain a high level of first serves as the Australian will be aggressive on the backhand side. A good start is important for Fearnley and if he can get that then he has every chance of producing another impressive result on clay.

Prediction: Fearnley in three sets.

 

 

How to Watch/Follow ATP Geneva 2025

Live Stream Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

TennisTV <- Subscription Required
Live Scores Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE